2023-24 Course Catalog - Paying for Classes

Tuition and Fees for Academic Year 2023-24

Tuition and Fees Information

The College strives to maintain its position as the lowest-cost institution of higher education in the area. However, students should investigate their eligibility for financial aid. Each year, students at the College receive over $80 million in financial aid. There are many aid programs sponsored by government agencies, the College itself, and private groups.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees vary depending on the residence of the student and must be paid in order to complete the registration process. Students who fail to pay the tuition and fees or make payment arrangements by the payment deadline risk being dropped from classes.

Students who reside in one of the 22 sponsoring school districts must submit a Certificate of Residence by the tuition due dates in order to pay sponsoring district rates. Students who reside outside one of the sponsoring districts will be required to pay out-of-district tuition and a capital outlay fee. The list of sponsoring school districts and tuition and fees may be viewed at www.hacc.edu/tuition.

Laboratory and Special Fees

Many programs and courses require additional fees. These are stated in the course schedule, in course descriptions in this catalog, and in other informational materials. They often are labeled laboratory fees and cover special costs in certain courses that include insurance, equipment and materials, software use, special testing, and transportation for field trips.

Residence Requirements for Tuition Subsidy

Students are considered Pennsylvania residents if they maintained continuous residence in the Commonwealth for 12 months prior to the start of the enrolled term. A student may rebut this presumption with convincing evidence. Exceptions also apply to citizens of foreign countries depending upon one’s Visa status.

Students who wish to claim subsidy from one of the 22 sponsoring school districts of the College must obtain a Certificate of Residence by applying through their school district website. Upon approval, the school district will submit the certificate to HACC electronically. The College itself does not determine residency in one of the districts. The student’s address as of July 1 determines the district responsible for issuing a Certificate, and each district sets its own requirements for residency. A Certificate of Residence is valid from July 1 to June 30, and a new Certificate must be obtained yearly for the new academic year.

Students Who Wish Sponsorship at another Pennsylvania Community College

Students who live in school districts that sponsor HACC may pursue associate degrees at other Pennsylvania community colleges (with sponsorship only in curricula not offered by HACC) by making a request to the Board of Trustees. HACC will provide tuition assistance to cover the sponsoring district’s share of the tuition, but will not assist in payment of any fees or other costs to the other community college.

Some school districts may refuse to sponsor students at other colleges; therefore, students should check with their school districts concerning this matter. A list of sponsoring school districts is available at www.hacc.edu/Admissions/SchoolDistrictSponsorship. Students must complete an Application for Approval to attend a Non-Sponsored Pennsylvania Community College, available from the Assistant Vice President for Student Enrollment Services. Students seeking sponsorship must submit to the Assistant Vice President for Student Enrollment Services a current, valid Certificate of Residence from their school district. Only after the Board of Trustees approves each application submitted by the Assistant Vice President for Student Enrollment Services will the student be assured of sponsorship at another community college in Pennsylvania.

Time and Method of Payment

Students are expected to pay their account in full for the term as of the published due date or enroll in HACC’s tuition payment plan. The due dates are available on the Schedule/Bill and at www.hacc.edu/Paying/DatesandDeadlines.

The College accepts payment by credit card (MasterCard, VISA, and Discover), by check, or by cash. Credit card or check payment may be made online via myHACC at my.hacc.edu. A $20 service fee is charged for returned checks and repeat offenders will be required to remit payment via only cash, a money order, or a certified check. The College offers a tuition payment plan designed for students to pay tuition over a period of time rather than all at one time. See www.hacc.edu/Paying/HowDoIPayMyBill/PaymentPlan for details.

The College may refuse to issue grades or transcripts and deny registration or readmission to students who owe money to the College or who have failed to return college books or equipment.

Refunds

Students who choose to withdraw from courses according to published deadlines may receive a refund. The refund amount is based upon the total cost of the course and the premise that a student paid the balance in full. A refund is calculated as follows: full refund of all tuition charges and fees up to the end of the first week of classes (or the equivalent for shorter parts of terms), refund of one half of tuition charges up through the third week of classes (or the equivalent). Course drops or withdrawals are not eligible for a refund after the third week of class of the major part of term or the equivalent for shorter parts of term. Refund dates are published on the reverse side of the Schedule/Bill and at https://www.hacc.edu/Students/RegisterOnlineGuide/add-and-drop-deadlines.cfm.

Students dropped or withdrawn for disciplinary reasons may not be eligible for a refund. Students who are receiving federal grants or loans, such as a Federal Pell Grant, SEOG and Direct Loan, will have their financial aid recalculated which may result in a balance owed to the College. More information about the impact of withdrawing from classes on financial aid is included on this web page: www.hacc.edu/Paying/CanIGetAid/FinancialAidBasics/Failing-or-Withdrawing-from-HACC.cfm.

Tuition and Fees for Academic Year 2023-24

Fall and Winter 2023, Spring and Summer 2024
NOTE: Tuition and Fees are subject to change at the discretion of the college.

In-State Resident, Sponsored:

In-State Resident, Non-Sponsored:

Out-of-State Resident:

To calculate tuition for credits not listed, multiply the one credit total cost by the total number of credits.

Additional Fees:
-Independent Study Fee= $50.00 per course
-Private Music Lesson Fee
-Return Check Fee= $20.00 (All returned check payments must be made in cash, money order, or by certified check. After the third offense, all future payments must be in cash, money order, or by certified check.)
-Other Miscellaneous Fees (e.g. laboratory, liability, clinical experience, etc.) may be charged for certain courses. These fees vary by course and will be noted in the credit course schedule adjacent to the course information.

Financial Aid

Many students benefit from a variety of financial aid programs at HACC. The financial aid process can be divided into five main areas:

Applying for Financial Aid
Determining Aid Eligibility
Awarding Financial Aid
Disbursing Financial Aid
Financial Aid Programs.

The Financial Aid staff at each campus provides assistance to students throughout the year. Contact us at 1-800-222-4222, financialaid@hacc.edu or view additional contact information at www.hacc.edu.

Applying for Financial Aid

To begin the financial aid process, students complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at https://studentaid.gov.

HACC’s Title IV school code is 003273.

The recommended filing date is February 15th before the academic year begins. Students can complete the FAFSA at any point during the academic year; however, students who apply by February 15th of the previous year receive maximum consideration for aid eligibility.

After completing the FAFSA online, students receive the results of the application in the form of Student Aid Report (SAR) within three to five business days via email and/or letter in the mail. Students should check the SAR for accuracy to ensure all information reported on the FAFSA is correct.

In a process called verification, some students may be required to submit additional documentation before they receive financial aid. If this occurs, the student will be notified via HawkMail, and the required items listed on the Financial Aid Tab in myHACC.

It is recommended that students should have their financial aid requirements completed by June 30th in order to guarantee fall financial aid, or by October 31, to guarantee financial aid for the spring semester. Students who apply or complete their verification documents after these dates may need to sign up for HACC’s payment plan or make other payment arrangements until their aid is finalized.

Determining Aid Eligibility

Federal student aid programs are based on the principle that students (and their parent/step–parent or spouse, if applicable) are considered the primary source of financial support for postsecondary education. Financial aid is intended to supplement, not replace, family resources.

Formula for determining financial need:

Cost of Attendance (COA) – Expected Family Contribution (EFC) = Financial Need (Financial Aid Eligibility)

The Cost of Attendance (COA) estimates the cost to attend HACC for an academic year. It includes direct charges (tuition and fees) and related expenses (room and board, books, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses). The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is calculated using the information provided on the FAFSA and determines eligibility for financial aid. Financial Need is simply the difference between the Cost of Attendance and the student’s Expected Family Contribution. If the Cost of Attendance exceeds the Expected Family Contribution, the student is considered to have financial need. Most aid programs require students to have financial need; however, if there is no remaining need, the student may still be eligible for a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. For additional information about Cost of Attendance, visit www.hacc.edu/Paying/CanIGetAid/FinancialAidBasics/Cost-of-Attendance.cfm.

Special Circumstances – If a student or their family’s situation has changed significantly from what is reflected on the federal income tax return, students may be eligible to have their financial aid adjusted. Some examples of special circumstances include the loss of employment, divorce, separation, or death of a parent or spouse.

To have the change in income reviewed by the financial aid office, students should take these steps:

If the student has not yet completed the FAFSA, they must do so and go through the financial aid process.
For students who have already completed the FAFSA and have been awarded aid, they should complete the online form linked on this webpage: www.hacc.edu/Paying/CanIGetAid/FinancialAidBasics/Financial-Aid-Situation-Changes.cfm.

Additional Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for Federal Student Aid a student must:

Be enrolled in an eligible degree, certificate or diploma program;
Be a citizen or eligible noncitizen of the United States;
Have a valid Social Security Number (with the exception of students from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau);
Have a high school diploma or GED certificate–or meet another high school completion equivalency;
Maintain satisfactory academic progress;
Not owe a refund on federal student aid or be in default on a federal student loan;
Not have received financial aid in excess of annual or aggregate limits.

Federal regulations mandate that students should only take courses that apply to their program of study. No aid is awarded for audited courses or credit by examination.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) To remain eligible for financial aid, students must make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as defined by the U.S. Department of Education. SAP is different from the College’s definition of academic standing.

Both full-time and part-time HACC students who have completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and wish to be considered for federal financial aid must meet the criteria stated in this policy for all terms within an academic year.

According to regulatory requirements, Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) will be checked after every term (fall, spring, summer).

SAP is measured in the three following ways, and students must meet all three measures to remain eligible for financial aid.

Quantitative Measure (PACE/credit hour progression). Students must complete at least 67% of all the credits they attempt.

Qualitative Measure (Cumulative GPA). Students must maintain an acceptable Grade Point Average (GPA).

Maximum Time Frame to Complete a degree. Students must be able to complete their program within 150% of the maximum time frame allowed for their program. For most associate degree programs that is a maximum of 90 credits.

Warning Status: At the end of a term in good standing, students who do not meet the cumulative GPA and/or 67% overall credit hour completion rate will be placed on financial aid warning for the following term. During their warning term, students are permitted to receive federal aid.

Suspension Status: Students who do not meet the SAP criteria after their warning term or who cannot complete their program of study within the maximum time frame will be placed on financial aid suspension. Their aid will be canceled for all upcoming terms.

Appeal Process: Students placed on financial aid suspension may appeal the decision if extenuating circumstances exist. Students can find the appeal form in the myHACC portal – Student – Financial Aid tab - Online Forms.

For more details about HACC’s SAP policy, students can use the following resources:

Financial Aid and Your Grades – How SAP is measured: www.hacc.edu/Paying/CanIGetAid/FinancialAidBasics/Financial-Aid-and-Your-Grades.cfm
Details about completing a SAP appeal are located at the following location in the student myHACC portal: https://apps.hacc.edu/HACC_Forms/A25y8j/openform.cfm?FID=4651

PA State Grant regulations: The Satisfactory Academic Progress policy for Pennsylvania State Grants is not covered under this policy, but is instead determined separately by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).

Awarding Financial Aid

Eligible students who complete the aid process will receive an award letter, identifying the type(s) and amount(s) of aid for which the student is eligible. Generally, aid is awarded for a full academic year. These awards are divided between the terms for which the student plans to enroll. Financial aid awards may be modified at any time during the award year due to the situations listed below.

Failure to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
Any change in status (including grade level, program of study, or credit hour enrollment).
Receipt of additional funding not listed on the award letter such as PA State Grant, private scholarships, vocational rehabilitation assistance, veteran benefits, Pennsylvania EAP, tuition waivers, employee tuition assistance, etc.
Previously submitted information that is inaccurate, incomplete, or conflicting.

Students will be notified of changes through their student email and should review awards through myHACC.

Disbursing Financial Aid

Students' estimated financial aid will appear on their schedule bill once their financial aid package is complete and meets all requirements. If the student does not have enough financial aid to pay charges, it is the student’s responsibility to pay the difference by the tuition due date or be at risk of being dropped from classes. Students who have financial aid in excess of their tuition and fees can charge their books at the bookstore. Visit bookstore.hacc.edu for more information.

Payment of Financial Aid – Generally, financial aid is paid to a student’s account after their classes have begun and their attendance is confirmed. Students who attend multiple parts of term (full term, late start, first and/or second seven weeks) may not be eligible for their aid until all classes have begun and their attendance is confirmed.

Refunds – Students whose financial aid award is greater than their charges will receive a refund within 14 days from the date their award is paid to their account. This refund is to be used for other educationally related expenses. Refunds are distributed to students through Bank Mobile, a third-party servicer. Refunds are sent based on the student’s refund preference through Bank Mobile.

Withdrawing or Failing courses

Students who receive all “F” grades, all “W” grades, or a combination of all “F” and “W” grades for a term will have their aid recalculated at the end of that term. When this occurs, students may owe money on their account even if the term is over. Students should discuss with Financial Aid Staff before withdrawing from courses to determine if a withdrawal will affect the student’s eligibility for financial aid and/or result in the student having to repay all or a portion of their financial aid.

Financial Aid Programs

There are two types of aid programs, Gift Aid and Self Help. Gift Aid is not repaid and includes Grants and Scholarships. Self Help are funds which are repaid or earned and include loans and Federal Work Study. With the exception of the Pell Grant program, enrollment of six (6) or more credits is required to receive financial aid Grants.

Federal Pell Grants - awarded to undergraduate students with financial need. Students are limited to six years of full-time Pell regardless of when or where they receive the Pell Grant. Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher are not eligible for Pell grants.

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) - awarded to students with financial need who complete the FAFSA by February 15th. Funds are awarded on a first come, first served basis.

PA State Grant – limited to Pennsylvania residents who have resided in the state for one (1) year without attending college AND are pursuing an associate degree. Students are limited to the equivalent of two full time years of State Grant. This award is not determined by HACC but is determined by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).

Scholarships are offered through the HACC Foundation or from outside groups. They may be based on merit, financial need, or other criteria. To be considered for HACC scholarships, students must file a FAFSA and complete a scholarship application. For more information and a list of outside scholarships, please visit www.hacc.edu/scholarships.

Federal Work-Study (FWS) provides jobs to students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay for educational expenses. Jobs may be available on campus or at approved off-campus locations. Students are paid bi-weekly based on the number of hours worked. The money is earned and is not deducted from the student’s bill.

Loan Programs: Loans are borrowed money that must be repaid with interest. For Federal Direct Stafford loans, repayment does not begin until six months after the student graduates, withdraws, or drops below six (6) aid-eligible credits. If students drop below six (6) aid-eligible credits, they may not be eligible to receive a student loan disbursement. HACC will award loans up to a student’s maximum eligibility. More information about annual and aggregate loan limits is available at this link: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized#subsidized-vs-unsubsidized.

Federal Direct Stafford Loans are either subsidized or unsubsidized.

A SUBSIDIZED loan is awarded on the basis of financial need. Students will not be charged any interest while enrolled in at least six aid-eligible credits.

An UNSUBSIDIZED loan is NOT awarded on the basis of need. Students will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. The student has the option of paying or not paying the interest and principal while in school.

First-time students are required by the Federal government to complete loan entrance counseling and sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN) online at https://studentaid.gov. The FSA ID is required to complete both.

PLUS Loan: Parents of dependent students may also borrow to pay for educational expenses. The annual limit is equal to the student’s cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received by the student. Dependent students whose parents are denied a PLUS Loan may be eligible to borrow up to an additional $4,000 through the Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan program. The Parent PLUS Loan application is available in the student’s myHACC account.

Veteran Benefits

The Military and Veteran Affairs (MVA) team is located at each HACC campus. MVA staff provide information about GI Bill® benefits for veterans, eligible dependents of veterans, members of the National Guard, Selected Reserves and Active Duty service persons. The Military and Veteran Affairs team also assists students in applying for Veteran education benefits in addition to others. Students may contact the MVA at 717-780-2331 or by email at vaoffice@hacc.edu. HACC also has a VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) counselor. They can be reached by calling 717-780-2310 or e-mail at vsoc@hacc.edu.

HACC’s MVA team also encourages student veterans and eligible dependents to apply for the VA work-study program. For more information about the program, please contact HACC’s MVA team at 717-780-2331 or via email at vaoffice@hacc.edu.

VA tutorial assistance may also be available for student veterans and eligible dependents.

Students should refer to the Military and Veteran Affairs page at www.hacc.edu/students/veterans or email vaoffice@hacc.edu. Information and current benefit rates can be found at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. The major education benefit programs are:

GI Bill® – Chapters 30, 32, and 33 (Post 9/11 both Veteran and Dependent)

GI Bill® – National Guard & Selected Reserves – Chapter 1606

Survivors & Dependents Education Assistance Program – Chapter 35

Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) – Chapter 31

PA National Guard Education Assistance Program (EAP)

Military Family Education Program (MFEP)

Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA/TA)

Application: Student veterans and eligible dependents must complete an initial application for GI Bill® benefits at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. A HACC’s Veterans Benefits Request Form (Yellow Sheet) must be completed each term to receive benefits. The Yellow Sheet is found in your myHACC account under Registration/Records and under the Veterans Benefits tab.

Advance pay: Student veterans and eligible dependents may request Advance Pay (GI Bill® Chapters 30, 35 & 1606 only) if they are new students or have more than a 30-day break between terms. Advanced pay forms must be submitted 30 days prior to the start of the term. Advance Pay checks are sent directly to the school.

Disabled Veterans: Veterans with service-connected disabilities can contact a VA VR&E Counselor at 717-221-4445.

Student Access Services (SAS): Veterans with service-connected disabilities can receive accommodations at HACC. Student Access Services provides reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids and support services. To learn more, contact the nearest campus SAS office or visit www.hacc.edu/Students/DisabilityServices. Our web pages have a wealth of information including contact information and ways to submit documentation securely.

Eligibility: All credit programs offered by HACC are approved for VA Education Benefits. Most workforce development programs are also approved for benefits. Please contact HACC’s MVA team for additional details. HACC is a fully accredited Service members Opportunity College, NAVPA and a ConAP member.

Financial Aid: Student veterans and dependents are encouraged to apply for financial aid by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Veterans must report on the FAFSA if they will be receiving veterans’ benefits.

PA National Guard members: Education Assistance Program (EAP), Federal Tuition Assistance, and Loan Repayment Program may be available. Students should contact their unit of assignment on these additional programs. Family Member Education Program (FMEP) is also available for those family members who qualify.

Satisfactory Progress: Student veterans and eligible dependents should be aware of the requirements for satisfactory academic progress mandated by the Department of Veterans Affairs in accordance with College academic policy described in this catalog. The VA will be notified when a student is not making satisfactory progress.

Selected Reserves: Federal Tuition Assistance and other benefits may be available. Students should contact their unit of assignment on these additional programs.

Summer terms: Summer benefit rates will vary for each summer term. A Training Time Equivalency Table can be found on the MVA webpage. Military and Veteran Affairs will assist students in calculating their benefit estimate.

VA Work-Study Allowance Program: Veterans attending ¾ time or more and receiving GI Bill benefits may apply for VA Work-Study to work in the Military and Veteran Affairs offices on a HACC campus. For more information on this program call 717-780-2331.

Veterans Benefits Request Form (Yellow Sheet): This form must be completed each term a student veteran or eligible dependent registers for classes in order for HACC to certify attendance to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Failure to complete this form will result in an interruption of benefits.

Veterans’ Benefits and Transition Act of 2018: HACC complies with this act by ensuring a covered individual (is any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, or chapter 33, Post‐9/11 GI Bill® benefits) will not be penalized, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the required to borrow additional funds because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under chapter 31 or 33. In order to become a covered individual, a student must provide a copy of their VA Certificate of Eligibility or a “Statement of Benefits” (obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) website – eBenefits) for Chapter 33 students or provide a VAF 28‐1905 for Chapter 31 students.

*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

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